BarSync - MIDI Clock Bar Counter & Visualizer

Elektronauts Sandbox
1

Hi everyone,

when my Rytm is running a 2-bar loop while the Octatrack has 2-3 tracks set to different pattern scales, it gets hard for me to keep track of where everything actually is. That’s not really an issue during a jam, but as soon as I want to record something and stick to typical bar counts/lengths (like 4, 8, 16, 32 bars for builds, phrases, etc.), it gets increasingly difficult to not get lost.

That’s how BarSync eventually came about, while I was looking for a suitable device. It’s a simple device, stripped down to the essentials, that can be quickly and easily integrated into any setup (via 5-pin MIDI In/Thru). it just runs alongside your sequencer from the moment you hit start, showing the elapsed bars along with a variable bar grid. It also has a few extra features, like different reset levels and a “Set 1.1” function that lets you completely reset the bar grid whenever you want.

What started as a test build on my breadboard eventually turned into a DIY device that you can build yourself if you’re interested.
You’ll find all the necessary info/ firmware/ files for the 3D-printable case/ PCB layout on GitHub.

I’d love to exchange ideas in general, and especially if anyone decides to build the device themselves. Happy to help if you have any questions.

PS: If there’s enough interest, I’m considering offering ready-made kits. That’s still up in the air / not decided yet

Take care and happy building!

[Image]

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Looks great! I was thinking about building such a bar counter few years ago, then just built a Max for Live device instead and eventually my workflow changed and I didn’t use it anymore, but so awesome to see someone actually built that in hardware!

Do you have any spare PCBs left?

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Hi! Thank you. Yes, I still have 5 left from the last batch. The jack labels there (J5 TimeSig, J6 Divisor → now J5 Custom, J6 Grid) are outdated. But the PCBs are fully functional.

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Oh, well i would be intrested. I also benefited from Schnorks midi progress bar. If you would be willing to sell a pcb, i would build a unit.

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I’d also be very interested in one of the PCBs, if there’s still one available. I’d definitely like to build a BarSync myself.

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Took me a while to build it, because I had to find out that a dull bread knife will still cut right through your thumb :grimacing: , but now it’s on my desk and I’m so happy to have it.

Bar counter works well, but it also allows you to place markers on the grid to remind you to do something and it has a built in midi monitor. Pretty cool to have that in hardware. Don’t have to switch on the computer just to check some midi stuff.
Feels right at home here:

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IMG202610171814251920×1444 212 KB

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+1!